Tri-City Area and Real Estate Blog

According to the Tri Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau, the Tri Cities is a wonderful spot for tourism with a 4 percent increase in rented hotel rooms in the community for 2009.  In comparison to the other areas like Spokane, Yakima and King County which saw drops in their hotel occupancy, the Tri Cities boasts $366 million in travel and tourism which helps support more than 4,400 jobs per year; this of course helps to diversify our community even more.

Wineries, golf, and recreational activities in the sunshine attracts folks to the wonderful Tri Cities, and we’re always hopeful that some of those tourists will become residents one day! Conventioners have brought big business and tourist dollars to the Tri Cities to the tune of 113,000 visitors which converts to more than $32.5 million in direct spending. Thus far for 2010 and beyond, around 180 conventions and sporting events have been scheduled worth $34.9 million in local spending.

The bureau has made tremendous strides to present the Tri Cities to the outside world, and to share all our positive aspects, which are many and diverse. They have been delightfully successful! When you come visit us and decide to stay, the agents at Distinctive Properties, Inc.,  will be more than happy to assist you with your real estate needs. Check us out at  www.distinctiveprop.com

Stunning 4 BR rambler in high-end subdivision with granite kitchen and classy tile accents. This home is beyond super good cents. Windows are triple pane and walls are R38, attic is R49. Low energy bills plus! 2 BR suites—(mother-in-law). The master is gorgeous and even has heated floors. There is also a tankless hot water heater system. Elegant water fountain at the entrance with stamped concrete and a cozy stamped concrete covered patio 2 ceiling fans. LOW MAINTANANCE YARD!!! Give Terri Allender a call for your private showing, (509) 948-2324 or (509) 783-1431 Distinctive Properties, Inc.

For more information, click to this link. http://www.distinctiveprop.com/mls/detail.src?ID=165824&Action=Detail&LX=&LN=1&DPL=&04b704319d

An amazing customized Rambler in Richland, Washington. Built in 2007 and is Better than New! Many, many upgrades like tile, fireplace, coffered ceilings, hand stamped ceilings, and pantry. Open spacious floor plan. Tile in entry as well as kitchen eating are. Mini suite is perfect for guests, in laws, or teenagers. Great curb appeal with all the rock & archways. 3-car Garage. Lovely landscaping and 2 patios all set for entertaining! This home backs up to a park area so nice privacy, all set in the lovely Horn Rapids Golf Course Community! Call Judy Dubsky at (509) 539-1710 or (509) 783-1431, Distinctive Properties, Inc., for your private showing.

Thw Washington Center for Real Estate Research said recently that homes sold in the 3rd quarter increased over the 2nd quarter this year, and the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit was responsible for that increase of 15.6 percent.

In the Tri-Cities, Washington there was a 20 percent increase of home sales. The strong local economy has really helped out our housing market. According to the Tri-City Association of Realtors, the number of people taking advantage of the tax credit really built up the homes sales in the 3rd quarter.

The extension of the tax credit through April 30, 2010 could continue to help out the housing market here in Kennewick, Pasco and Richland Washington, and of course, nationwide. It’s a great time to buy real estate and we at Distinctive Properties, Inc., are here to help you in anyway we can!

The Fiserv’s Report came out recently and indicated that Kennewick topped the nations growth of housing prices over the past 3 years, with values by 8.9 percent and are expected to continue growth by approximately 3.4 percent by next summer.

Jobs in our Tri City area are strong and steady which acquaint to more homes being sold to accommodate those folks coming into the area for the jobs, particularly those in the Hanford area or associated businesses.

Homes in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and our neighboring towns, are selling quickly, with the market under $200,000 being the fastest sellers.  New homes are being built very slowly due to the restrictions being placed by lenders, but some of the more established builders are still building new homes.

Unemployment in our Tri Cities area is among the state’s lowest and this has also contributed to the steady growth of home sales. Home values have increased, however, the inventory of homes for sale is shrinking because of the influx of new families to our area and the first-time homebuyer credit has afforded new buyers the opportunity to get into a home with the $8,000 tax credit.

If you are looking to relocate to the wonderful, fun and affordable Tri Cities, we’d be more than happy to assist your in your real estate needs. Please take a look at our website, where you can view any home currently listed in the MLS or you can input the parameters you seek in a home and have automated listings sent to your email address, the moment a home fitting your needs comes on the market. 

We at Distinctive Properties, Inc., are here to serve you and help you find the home of your dreams.  www.distinctiveprop.com

Finding the right home for some of the people coming into the greater Tri-City area is getting more of a challenge. In Kennewick especially.

The Tri-City (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West-Richland) market is fast turning from a Buyers market to a Sellers market. That is not true of all neighborhoods or all price ranges.

If we list a nice property under $ 250,000 we’re seeing it sold with 30 days, if it is under $ 150,000 and in good condition and nice neighborhood it is sold with 10 days. You have to understand anyone is seeing the market a little differently, a balanced market to me is: the average home that sells with 120 days. We are seeing 2 and 3 offers on well price properties, with very little negotiation.

I have attached our “Market at a Glance” for you. I will ubdated in a few days. If you have any questions please feel free to call the office and we will find the answers for you.

Christa Sasser

Broker/Distinctive Properties, Inc 

8022 W. Grandridge Blvd

(509) 783-1431

Market at a Glance

You need to have Power Point.